Gorean snapper (Lutjanus goreensis)

Classification (WoRMS)

Full classification as recorded by WoRMS: Kingdom: Animalia · Phylum: Chordata · Class: Teleostei · Order: Eupercaria incertae sedis · Family: Lutjanidae · Genus: Lutjanus.

Accepted name: Lutjanus goreensis · Authority: (Valenciennes, 1830) · Taxonomic status: accepted · AphiaID: 276538.

Synonyms and superseded combinations recorded for this taxon: Lutjanus guineensis Bleeker, 1863; Mesoprion goreensis Valenciennes, 1830.

Source: World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=276538 (CC BY 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Biology and life history (FishBase)

Measured values published by FishBase for Lutjanus goreensis. Only fields the database actually holds for this species are shown; these are database values, not aquarium guidance.

Maximum length: 80 cm · Common length: 50 cm · Depth range: 0–50 m · Habitat zone: reef-associated · Body shape: fusiform / normal · Vulnerability index: 52 of 100 · Fishery importance: minor commercial · Aquarium trade: never/rarely.

FishBase notes: Adults occur on rocky bottoms and in the vicinity of coral reefs (Ref. 55, 57393, 81653). Young are frequently encountered in coastal waters, particularly estuaries and sometimes in lower courses of rivers (Ref. 2683, 57393, 81653). Voracious predator (Ref. 57393), feeds mainly on fishes and bottom-dwelling invertebrates (Ref. 55). Size of juveniles ranges from 7.90 to 19.99 cm in length (Ref. 111357).

Source: FishBase species summary (SpecCode 1439) — https://www.fishbase.se/summary/Lutjanus-goreensis.html (CC BY-NC 3.0 — non-commercial use only). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Distribution and occurrence records (GBIF)

909 georeferenced occurrence records for Lutjanus goreensis are published through GBIF from 21 countries or marine areas. The map above plots 43 distinct locations from a sample of 909 records, omitting 60 inland records that carry an institution's coordinates rather than a collection site; it shows where the species has been observed and reported, not a modelled range.

Most records by country or area: Cameroon (149); Nigeria (124); Côte d’Ivoire (97); Gabon (94); Ghana (79); Liberia (63); Senegal (62); Sierra Leone (43); Guinea (36); Congo, Democratic Republic of the (28); Guinea-Bissau (27); Equatorial Guinea (23); Benin (22); Congo (15); Angola (14).

Marine regions with a valid WoRMS distribution record: Beninese Exclusive Economic Zone.

Source: GBIF Occurrence Search (taxonKey 2385090) — https://www.gbif.org/occurrence/search?taxon_key=2385090&has_coordinate=true (records CC0 / CC BY); WoRMS distribution records (MarineRegions) — https://www.marinespecies.org/aphia.php?p=taxdetails&id=276538 (CC BY 4.0); Natural Earth 110m basemap — https://www.naturalearthdata.com/ (public domain). Accessed 2026-09-25.

Conservation status (IUCN Red List)

The IUCN Red List assesses Lutjanus goreensis (Valenciennes, 1830) as Data Deficient (code DD). No trend, population estimate or threat analysis is given here, because none is available from this source without the Red List API; follow the source link for the full assessment, including its date.

Source: IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (taxon 194345) — https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/194345/0; GBIF IUCN Red List category endpoint (taxonKey 2385090) — https://api.gbif.org/v1/species/2385090/iucnRedListCategory. Accessed 2026-09-25.

Description and natural history (Wikipedia)

The Gorean snapper was first formally described in 1830 as Mesoprion goreensis by the French zoologist Achille Valenciennes with the type locality given as Gorée in Senegal. The specific name refers to the type locality of Gorée.

Description

The Gorean snapper has a relatively deep body with a pointed snout and a steeply sloping forehead. The vomerine teeth are arranged in a triangular patch with a clearly rearwards extension. The dorsal fin has 10 spines and 14 soft rays while the anal fin has 3 spines and 8 soft rays. The pectoral fins contain 16 rays and are relatively short, not extending as far as the anus, and the caudal fin is slightly emarginate.

This fish attains a maximum total length of 80 cm, although 50 cm is more typical. The back and upper flanks are vivid pink or reddish while the lower flanks and abdomen are silvery-white. There is a thin blue band or line of broken spots underneath the eye. The smaller individuals found in shallow water are mainly brownish in colour.

Distribution and habitat

The Gorean snapper is found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Its range extends along the western coast of Africa from Senegal in the north to Angola in the south, although it is less common south of the Congo River.

It has also been found in the Cape Verde Islands, the Canary Islands and Madeira. The adults occur over rocky substrates and in near coral reefs. The juveniles are often recorded in coastal waters, especially estuaries and occasionally in the lower reaches of rivers.

Biology

The Gorean snapper is a predatory species which feeds on other fishes and larger benthic invertebrates.

Fisheries and conservation

The Gorean snapper is a target for commercial and artisanal fisheries throughout its range and it is taken mainly with seines, hook and line and by spearfishing. It is also caught using handlines, fixed bottom nets and trawl nets.

The catch is usually sold as fresh fish. It is cultured in the brackish water zone of the Niger Delta, alongside L. agennes and the total estimated yield is 1,415 kg per hectare per annum. There is very little data on landings or the biology of this species and therefore the IUCN categorise it as Data Deficient but state that it may be vulnerable to overfishing and that its true status may be Near Threatened or Vulnerable.

Source: Wikipedia: Gorean snapper — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gorean_snapper (CC BY-SA 4.0). Accessed 2026-09-25.